Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Following Sergio Busquets’ departure at the end of last season, the Barcelona captaincy was passed on to Sergi Roberto, the club’s new longest-serving player. The 31-year-old has been at the club since 2006, and in the first team since 2010.
However, despite holding the captaincy, he is way down the pecking order under head coach Xavi Hernandez. Joao Cancelo and Ronald Araujo/Jules Kounde are ahead of him at right-back, while he has also fallen down the pecking order in midfield, with youngster Fermin Lopez having now leapfrogged.
Sport have reported that Roberto’s role at Barcelona now seems almost testimonial-like, and it is looking increasingly likely that he will leave the club next summer when his contract expires.
Roberto signed a one-year extension last season, and in doing so he lowered his salary significantly to help the club battle its financial woes. However, Barcelona may decide to cut him off altogether given his current standing.
The Barcelona coaching staff are unlikely to want Roberto to leave as they value him as an excellent member of their squad, but he appears to be a spare part at the moment, and that is unlikely to change going forward.
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